As Tropical Storm Helene intensifies and barrels towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, Trulieve Cannabis Corp (TCNNF), a leading multi-state operator (MSO) in the US cannabis industry, is bracing for potential disruptions. Investors have expressed concerns about the storm’s impact on Trulieve’s extensive Florida operations, but CEO Kim Rivers assures everyone that the company is fully prepared.
Responding to concerns on Twitter, Rivers outlined Trulieve’s hurricane preparedness plans, emphasizing that their facilities are built to withstand severe weather. “We are locked and loaded. Not our first storm rodeo. Buildings are all wind rated and have all been thru storms in the past,” she wrote, addressing concerns about infrastructure vulnerabilities as Helene strengthens into a potentially catastrophic event.
While acknowledging that the biggest challenge could be power outages, Rivers remained optimistic. “The biggest threat is loss of power but lines come from the southeast so that’s looking ok. Regardless, generators are on site, storm prep done and teams ready to go.”
Hurricane Helene, expected to make landfall as a major hurricane, poses a significant threat to Florida’s west coast. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for storm surges reaching up to 15 feet, along with wind speeds exceeding 100 mph. Counties along the Florida coast have begun issuing evacuation orders, anticipating widespread power outages.
Trulieve’s headquarters, operations, and dispensaries are heavily concentrated in Florida, making the company particularly vulnerable to disruptions. However, Rivers’ reassurance emphasizes the company’s comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan.
Given that Trulieve also supplies wholesale cannabis products to other operators, any disruption to its facilities could ripple through the cannabis supply chain. Cannabis investors are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about potential setbacks to the industry’s recovery after a challenging period.
As the cannabis industry watches closely, Helene’s path will be a key focus in the coming days. While the physical infrastructure is in place, the true test will come in the storm’s aftermath, when the focus will shift to how quickly operations can resume and whether supply chains remain intact. Here’s hoping everyone stays safe and sound.
